Wang Yi: Asia’s time has come in global governance

China Global Television Network: This year, China is in the chair of BRICS, and APEC and G20 will also be meeting in Asia this year. What role does China expect emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs) to play in global governance?

Wang Yi: BRICS countries are a fine example of EMDCs seeking strength from unity and a crucial force for advancing global governance. After five years, the baton of the BRICS chairmanship is once again passed to China. We will hold a summit and more than 160 events. We will work with other BRICS countries under the theme of "Foster High-quality BRICS Partnership, Usher in a New Era of Global Development" to deepen BRICS cooperation across the board, make BRICS shine brighter, burnish BRICS credentials for South-South cooperation, and inspire hope and confidence for a joint effort by all countries to beat the pandemic and promote global recovery.

We will guide the reform of the global governance system with the principle of equity and justice and put forth BRICS proposals for improving global governance in the post-COVID era. We will prioritize vaccine cooperation and expand public health collaboration to cement BRICS defenses against the COVID-19 pandemic. We will fully advance cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, finance, innovation, digital economy, green development and poverty reduction to create a BRICS fast track for global development. And we will deepen BRICS-plus cooperation, strengthen strategic coordination among EMDCs and make BRICS contributions to building a global partnership for development.

In the course of this year, China, Thailand and Indonesia will host the BRICS Summit, APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and G20 Summit respectively. Asia’s time has come in global governance. In the race of global governance, we look forward to seeing EMDCs turning from “followers” to “forerunners” and even “pacesetters”. Together, we can play a more active role, speak with a bigger voice, help make the international order more just and equitable, and promote more open, inclusive, balanced and win-win globalization for all.

Source:brics2022.mfa.gov.cn/eng/dtxw/202203/t20220309_10650092.html